Guests in Oman told to dress modestly during Ramadan

Muscat: Tourists should dress modestly during the Holy Month of Ramadan, according to officials in the hospitality sector.
Andrea Emmerling, hotel manager, Sheraton Oman Hotel, said: “Every guest that we have the pleasure of welcoming to the Sheraton Oman Hotel during the Holy Month of Ramadan is offered a personalised letter that introduces them to the customs and traditions during those weeks; this includes a strong recommendation to wear appropriate and modest attire that covers arms and legs.”
A spokesperson for the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa said guests are asked to dress modestly within the resort at all times, and beachwear should only be worn on the beach and in the pool areas.
“The dress code during Iftar and Sohour is smart casual, and we ask our non-Muslim guests to respect the local culture by dressing appropriately during the Holy Month,” the spokesperson said.
In the Ramadan brochure, which includes a guide to the Holy Month for guests, the hotel advises dos and don’ts of Ramadan for international guests to understand this period of reflection.
Vijay Handa, general manager, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Centre, which is part of the Ras Al Hadd Sanctuary, said during the Holy Month they advise tourists not to eat or drink in public. “We mention this during the booking confirmation,” he said.
The staff is also issued guidelines asking them to dress modestly and are also given a general overview of Ramadan. All restaurants and cafes are closed during the day and they re-open after sunset during Ramadan. Even mall managers admit that people visiting public areas should also dress modestly.
“We do not advise a specific dress code during Ramadan; people–both men and women–but we advise them to dress conservatively whenever they visit our mall,” a senior official at a shopping mall said.